US Officials Meet Controversial South Korean Pastor, Raising Alliance Questions

Busan, South Korea – A recent meeting between US State Department and White House officials with a South Korean pastor, Rev. Son Hyun-bo, has sparked questions regarding its potential impact on US-South Korea relations. Rev. Son is known for leading rallies in support of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and opposing his impeachment following the 2024 events.

The Segero Church in Busan announced that US officials made an official visit and attended a Sunday service, stating that the meeting was requested by the State Department approximately four weeks prior. During the discussion, a wide range of issues confronting South Korea were reportedly addressed. Rev. Son stated that the US officials offered encouragement and pledged assistance in securing funding for his church's program that connects young Koreans and Americans.

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The US State Department made an official visit to the church and attended the Sunday service. This visit was arranged after we received a request from the US State Department around four weeks ago. During the meeting, a wide range of issues South Korea is currently facing were discussed.

Among the US officials present were Riley Barnes, Assistant US Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and Julie Turner, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. They were joined by Belsis Romero, the White House faith liaison, Dewey Moore, Principal Officer at the US Consulate in Busan, and Josh Davis, Political Officer at the US Embassy in Seoul. The delegation also attended a worship service led by Rev. Son.

An official from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the US delegation's visit was part of their engagement in drafting annual reports, including those on human rights practices, trafficking in persons, and international religious freedom. The discussions reportedly touched upon topics that have drawn opposition from South Korea's conservative Christian community, such as a proposed amendment to the Civil Act aimed at preventing religious groups like the Unification Church and Shincheonji from political interference, and the current administration's plans to enact an anti-discrimination law. The meeting, occurring as Trump administration officials deepen ties with far-right Protestant groups in South Korea, raises concerns about the implications for the bilateral alliance.

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The State Department reached out to us and said they wanted to meet with us officially and attend one of our services. During the meeting, they encouraged us and said they would help secure funding for our church’s program that brings young Koreans and Americans together.